A Latina member of the U.S. Congress has accused Republicans of scapegoating illegal immigrants.
In the Democratic party's weekly radio address Saturday, Hilda Solis of California said Republicans have steadily built up an assault on immigrants over the past few years to divide voters and win elections.
The lawmaker, the child of Mexican and Nicaraguan immigrants, said a House bill that criminalizes being or helping illegal immigrants is alienating all Americans.
Solis called for renewed debate on immigration reform as soon as Congress returns from its two-week recess. She said reform should be tough, smart, and comprehensive, yet compassionate.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.